The Alchemist : A Fable About Following Your Dreams, written by the Brazilian author Paulo Coelho, is an allegorical novel. It was originally written in Portugese in the year 1988. Later, it got translated into more than 70 languages and became the international bestseller. According to the New York Times, The Alchemist is a self help book rather than just merely a story.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Storyline
The story revolves around a young shepherd boy from Andalusia, Santiago. He travels from his homeland to the pyramids of Egypt in search of the treasure he has seen a multiple times in his dream. On his pathway he meets different people who help Santiago seek his treasure. But what starts as a journey to find materialistic pleasure turns into the discovery of the treasure within.
About
The book is a short one with around 160 pages and also the writing style of Paulo Coelho makes it easier for even a beginner to just get going with the dazzling story.
My thoughts
The Alchemist is a beautiful story with a very wise wisdom behind it. The story has the power of bringing out your optimistic self. It emphasizes on “The journey is more important than the destination”. It makes you believe in faith and hope. In conclusion, The Alchemist deserves to get a chance to read by everyone. Especially, if you are a beginner, this book is meant for you and awaits you eagerly.
A fun fact
The very famous dialogue from the Sharukh Khan hits, Om Shanti Om, “ Agar kisi cheez ko puri shiddat se chaho,toh puri kayanaat usse aapse milvane par majboor ho jaati hai” is obtained from this book.
My favourite quote from the book
“Because I don’t live in either my past or my future. I’m interested only in the present. If you can concentrate always on your present, you’ll be a happy man. Life will be a party for you, a grand festival, because life is the moment we’re living right now”
By Ankita Yadav
